NFAP-2011 will ensure optimum utilisation of spectrum: Sibal

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal today released the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP)-2011, which would ensure equitable and optimum utilisation spectrum, a scarce natural resource.

NFAP-2011 is a policy document which contains spectrum allocation for various radio communication services and applications in different frequency bands.

"The efforts have been made to ensure equitable and optimum utilisation of the scarce natural resource of frequency spectrum. While developing the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP)-2011 due care has been taken to ensure protection of existing services/usage," Sibal said.

NFAP-2011 will come into effect from October 1, 2011. It contains International and National frequency allocation table and footnotes to international table of frequency allocations, the document said.

The Plan (NFAP-2011) aims to give a boost to domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment and efficient utilisation of spectrum, Sibal said.

It is essential that these scarce resources be used rationally, optimally, efficiently and economically so that equitable access could be available to large variety radio communication networks in an interference free radio environment, the minister added.

Some of the features of NFAP-2011 are that is in line with the radio regulations of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), it has enabled provisions in few frequency bands for indigenous development and manufacturing, it has taken due care to ensure protection of existing services and has kept in view the requirement projected by all stakeholders.